January 28, 2014

Panthers, Rivera agree on 3-year extension through 2017

Ron Rivera has signed a contract extension that will keep him the head coach of the Carolina Panthers through the 2017 season, the team announced Tuesday afternoon.

This season, Rivera completed the third year of his initial four-year deal, and the Observer reported earlier this week the two sides would soon begin contract extension talks.

The Panthers, who went 6-10 and 7-9 in Rivera's first two seasons, went 12-4 in 2013 and won the NFC South championship. They lost in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs to San Francisco, 23-10.

“The improvement of our team has been reflected in the progress of the record over the last three seasons under Ron and we look forward to building upon that foundation,” Panthers Owner/Founder Jerry Richardson said in a statement released by the team.

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said he had the "ultimate confidence" in Rivera in two separate interviews after the season ended when asked about Rivera's status moving forward.

“I have been very clear about how much I have enjoyed living in Charlotte and working for this organization,” Rivera said in a statement. “I very much appreciate the support and confidence Mr. Richardson and Dave Gettleman have shown in me and our staff. Any success we have enjoyed is the result of a team effort by players, coaches, scouts and the entire organization, and our ultimate goal remains winning the Super Bowl.”

Monetary details of the contract were not immediately available. Rivera's first contract was worth $11.2 million.

Rivera is one of the top candidates for the NFL Coach of the Year award, which will be announced Saturday night.

The reason for getting Rivera's contract extension settled before any players on the current team is two-fold. First, the money the Panthers pay Rivera does not count against the salary cap, so it's one problem that can be taken care before having to finesse the cap.

Secondly, Gettleman will spend the next two weeks or so meeting with players and arranging what the Panthers will look like in 2014. With a coach that has job security through the next presidential election rather than one entering a lame duck season, free agents could potentially find Carolina as a better option because of its head coaching stability.

Only 11 coaches have been with their current team longer than Rivera has been with the Panthers.

Might wanna get rid of Cam though...too immature and not that good. Just sayin'.

Posted by: Luvnut | Jan 28, 2014 5:05:18 PM

It is a mistake to sign him to greater than a one year extension.

I get that this past season was good, but no...not three years.

Posted by: Scott Bryan | Jan 28, 2014 5:05:51 PM

Richardson has always rewarded good coaching - when Caper took us to the NFC Championship he was rewarded - but then took on more than he could handle as the coach and gm. Fox was one of the highest paid coaches in the NFL which is one reason he wasn't resigned after the 2-14 season. Jerry let him finsh his contract (and collect about 7 mil) and no doubt gave him a strong refernce when Denver called. But you can't go 2-14 and be one of the highest paid coaches in the league. Now Rivera has shown he is a great coach and he will likely be here for around 10 years too (Foxx was here 9).

Posted by: Dom | Jan 28, 2014 5:16:03 PM

Very good move by the Panthers. He and Gettleman make a good team.

Posted by: bill | Jan 28, 2014 5:18:56 PM

Congratulations coach Rivera. Hope you and the team continue to improve. Defending NFC South Champs and hungry for more.

Posted by: JPL Panther | Jan 28, 2014 5:28:02 PM

Very good though. I personally think Cam just choked under the pressure, otherwise it's a great team.

Posted by: Luvnut | Jan 28, 2014 5:29:26 PM

Congrats Ron & good news for Panther fans! Now, let's pray Odell Beckham is available when we make our first round pick! Let's bow our heads...

Great to see Rivera Boat Ron Get a new three year contract. Now if we can just surround Cam with some offensive firepower we will be all set to make another strong playoff run.

Posted by: LC Brooks | Jan 28, 2014 6:12:34 PM

Cam choked?? Cam looked pretty good to me in the playoffs.....give him a good line and a good second receiver and watch him flourish.

Posted by: DaveT | Jan 28, 2014 6:22:14 PM

Why? Let him show he you he can do it 2 years in a row... Betcha Boone's Farm got him cheap and if there's one thing Booney loves it's being cheap. Kit Kat slurpers are gonna regret this...

Posted by: NASTAR99 | Jan 28, 2014 11:39:35 PM

Wow nastar99 really....haven't seen you the entire season. A guy that loves being negative just for the sake of it...and luvnut if it wasn't for two fourth quarter drives against the pats and dolphins lead by that immature choking quarter back we would not have made the playoffs.....now days people just hate just to do it when did that become cool?

Posted by: mfreeze3152 | Jan 29, 2014 3:45:19 AM

Three more years of mediocracy. This past season was a fluke. Really something to look forward to. How sad.